Kayakers Hold "White Water Rodeo"

by Taylor Viydo, tviydo@k2tv.com

Casper Kayakers held the 8th
annual White Water Kayak Rodeo on Saturday, part of Casper's
Platte-a-Palooza festival.

The “Rodeo” consisted of a
freestyle competition where participants were judged on their ability
to tricks and other aquatic maneuvers in their kayaks. “These
[boats] are specifically meant to do tricks,” said competitor Ed
Conning. “So we'll be out there throwing ends, doing cartwheels,
and basically doing front flips.”

After the freestyle competition, a
down-river race was held where competitors whet head to head on the
North Platte. “That will be exciting,” said volunteer Jason
Baker. “The high water has changed the lines...usually people get
pretty aggressive with it, so it should be fun.”

Other events at Platte-a-Palooza
included live music from local bands, a beer festival, and a
barbecue.